Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Twelve % of women have difficulty becoming pregnant. While various options are available, many women may be interested in nutrition as a possible approach to support fertility. Recommendations about fertility nutrition can be complex and confusing, particularly with conflicting information by both professionals and popular press. This research is designed to assess characteristics of nutrition recommendations for preconception in the popular press as well as effectiveness of an educational module concerning healthful dietary fats and diet patterns. METHODS: Investigated consumer literature in popular books and online articles (Keywords: fertility nutrition, preconception, fertility fats, fertility diet). Assessed if they were: supported by science, presented by authors with advanced degree, included healthful fat and dietary pattern recommendations. Developed educational module based on current science literature regarding healthful fats and diet patterns. Pre- and post-data about participant's opinions and knowledge of module topics were gathered via online REDCap questionnaire. Target audience included women of reproductive age, specifically focused on preconception. Each aim was organized in Excel and examined with descriptive statistics using SPSS. RESULTS: Comparing 12 books and 12 website articles in popular consumer literature about fertility, 50% of authors included scientific references, 50% of authors had a master's degree or higher in health profession field. All resources included information about healthful fats. Pre-post survey results of 51 responses to educational module showed that 58.8% (pre) knew difference between unsaturated and saturated fats with 96% post. They recognized that fish is highest in omega-3 fatty acids from options listed at 86.3% (pre) and 92% post. Participants recognized need to include more unsaturated fat in their diets changed from 82.4% to 92%. A Mediterranean-style diet was followed by 24% of participants. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of availability and opinions of consumer education resources could assist fertility professionals in recommending literature that is appropriate for patients. An online module showed increasing knowledge about healthful fats. FUNDING SOURCES: None.